Winter storm brings heavy rain, wind

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Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA

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Posted Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:21 AM
Updated Nov 29, 2012 at 10:29 AM

Posted Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:21 AM
Updated Nov 29, 2012 at 10:29 AM

Siskiyou County

SISKIYOU COUNTY – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood and high wind watch for Siskiyou County through Friday as a series of storm systems sweep through the northern California and the southwest Oregon region. Local agencies are urging members of the community to prepare for the heavy wind and showers.

According to the NWS, heavy rainfall is expected through Friday evening with rapid rises and possible minor flooding of rivers, creeks and streams. Minor city flooding of area roads and low-lying debris is possible. Debris flows may impact steeper terrain. Landslides are possible during the flood event and structures and roads below steep slopes near the mouth of canyons may be at risk of rapidly moving landslides.

High winds are expected to continue through late tonight in the Weed and Montague area and the NWS warns that Interstate 5 north of Black Butte summit to Weed Airport will have strong sustained gusts with speeds between 40 and 58 m.p.h.

A press release issued by Siskiyou County Information Forum (SCIF), which is a new multi-agency team that supports emergency services throughout the county, listed the following locations where sand bags may be obtained in the event of potential flooding:

• Yreka at 279 Sharps Road;

• Gazelle at 18232 Old Highway 99;

• Mount Shasta at 2839 Pine Grove Drive;

• McCloud Community Service District at 220 W. Minnesota Ave.;

• Happy Camp at 64738 Airport Road;

• Fort Jones at 133 Scott River Road;

• Dorris at 51431 North Highway 97;

• Salmon River at 14620 Salmon River Road; and

• Etna at 10005 South Highway 3.

The release urges citizens to stay alert to the radio, television and local news sources during winter storms and offers the following safety tips:

• During a power outage, if an alternative heat source is necessary, be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer; it is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels burn incompletely. Residents should make sure their home is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector and a battery backup. During or after a snowstorm make sure to check the dryer, stove, furnace and fireplace vents to clear snow build up. Generator, gas or propane heaters need to be placed in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings. Gas or charcoal grills can produce carbon monoxide, so use this equipment outside only, and;

• When traveling outdoors, residents should make sure someone knows their destination and arrival time. Always be aware of the surroundings. Avoid traveling near streams or creeks that have a potential for flooding. Those who must drive in a flooded area should not try to drive across a flooded road, as the water may be much deeper than expected. Do not walk through fast-moving water. As little as six inches of water can cause a fall and possible drowning. Winter storms often produce high winds, so always be aware of downed power lines and other falling objects and debris.